Travel satiates the soul and allows you to find aspects of your personality you did not know about, it relaxes, de-stresses and connects you with your loved ones and nature. Travelling to a place where you meet yourself.
As the end of this year approaches and a new one peeks over the horizon, it’s time to plan your final getaway for 2022.
Life N Style has curated a short list of places where the beauty of nature meets luxury, exclusive resorts with bespoke experiences where you can welcome the first sunrise of 2023.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives
One of the truly private islands in the Maldivian archipelago, Velaa Private Island is an elite ultra-luxury tropical paradise of pure seclusion in harmony with nature.
The resort comprises 47 private villas, houses, and exclusive residences. While 18 of the 47 are built over water, the Romantic Pool Residence can only be reached by boat, allowing, even more, privacy and exclusivity. Each Villa has its own discreet butler who seems to anticipate one’s every whim.
With a golf course, air-conditioned tennis courts, a wide-ranging variety of sea sports, and yachting experiences, Velaa will truly keep you occupied. Swimming in the clear turquoise waters, one can mingle with some of the most fascinating creatures of the ocean. The untouched Noonu Atoll is home to numerous exotic dive sites featuring shark cleaning stations, dramatic swim troughs and elusive eagle rays. A dedicated marine biology team oversees the development of the largest coral restoration programme in the Maldives, and guests can arrange an immersive tour of the coral garden as well as discover the fascinating hidden gems located within the house reef.
The festive season at Velaa promises to be the most unforgettable experience across the Indian Ocean as the resort celebrates its ninth anniversary which culminates in a mesmerising performance of “Katya”, an unrivalled New Year’s Eve show to welcome 2023.
A 45-minute seaplane ride from Malé, Velaa offers transfers in its private nine-seat aircraft, and guests arriving by private jet can land at Maafaru International Airport and take a 35-minute boat transfer.
Zambezi Sands River Camp
Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit.
Being out in the wild is inspiring in and of itself. There is nothing more awe-inspiring than being surrounded by wilderness. That’s exactly what the Zambezi Sands River Camp offers, unrivalled luxury in one of the world’s most breath-taking natural settings and is the perfect base to rest in between spotting wildlife and exploring Victoria Falls.
Seated right at the edge of the Zambezi River, in the wilderness of the Zambezi National Park, it is more than just a safari destination.
Zambezi Sands River Camp’s ten beautiful tented two-bedroom suites come complete with a private swimming pool, lounge and dining room and a deck for those desiring more privacy. A truly opulent experience as the bedrooms are styled as large African-style tents offering exceptional views from the huge veranda to the soundtrack of the area’s magical wildlife. The boardwalks that interlink each tent with the main dining area and bar offer protection from wandering hippos who often spend at least part of the night feeding in and around the camp.
The lodge’s elegant bar, lounge and dining area sit above the river, the stilted structure surrounded by the area’s lush landscapes. Decorated with stylish teak furniture, wooden flooring, leather chairs and sofas, it is quintessential Africa meets luxury. The canvas walls and ceilings create a traditional safari feel, yet the floor-to-ceiling glass doors let the sunlight pour in and add a touch of luxury.
The Zambezi Sands River Camp offers an array of activities without even leaving the estate. In addition to the resort’s spa and fitness centre, guests can enjoy a myriad of water activities including game drives along the river and inland, game walks with an experienced professional and day or sunset river boat cruises.
It is not easy to be surrounded by the magnificence of the beautiful creatures of Africa from towering elephants, who are a regular fixture along the river bank to hippos and lions that roar nearby, and not be awe-struck.
The resort is a 90-minute drive from the Victoria Falls airport but there is also a private 5-seater helicopter that you can take to really soak in the experience when you fly over the tumultuous falls and park.
Your own private island retreat at Le Meridian Resort and Spa, Maldives
Dance with the waves, move with the sea and let the rhythm of the water set your soul free. There’s nothing like standing at the edge of the ocean. With each wave barreling in one after the other, it is easy, at that moment, to forget all that life exists outside this haven. And that is by far the best thing about having a private island all to yourself – it goes beyond the ultra-luxury experience and transcends into something sublime.
Bodu Finolhu, the wholly-owned private island of the ultra-luxe five-star resort Le Meridian Resort and Spa, Maldives, is one such utopian setting for picture-perfect picnics when the golden sun dips beyond the horizon, casting shimmering shades of orange across the open skies.
However, if the soft sounds of the ocean are more your thing, jump aboard the ‘Escape’ luxury yacht for a private sunset cruise. The yacht features private cabins and a spacious upper deck including two comfortable outdoor seating areas that allow complete privacy.
Dance with the waves, move with the sea and let the rhythm of the water set your soul free. There’s nothing like standing at the edge of the ocean. With each wave barrelling in one after the other, it is easy, in that moment, to forget all that life exists outside this haven. And that is by far the best thing about having a private island all to yourself – it goes beyond the luxury experience and transcends into something sublime.
Bodu Finolhu, the wholly-owned private island of the ultra-luxe five-star resort Le Méridien Resort and Spa, Maldives, is one such utopian setting for picture-perfect picnics when the golden sun dips beyond the horizon, casting shimmering shades of orange across the open skies.
Accessible only to the guests of the Le Méridien Resort and Spa located in the secluded south-eastern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll it is the perfect place for a wide range of underwater activities, romantic excursions, and curated destination-dining experiences.
Summer never sets in the archipelago, so to unlock the very best of Bodu Finolhu, guests can either select the pre-prepared package or work with the concierge team to create a bespoke experience. Indulge in gastronomic experiences, wander without an agenda, or simply slow down your steps until the stress of daily life melts away – design your own perfect holiday agenda. All these unique experiences are available to guests, including private beach dinners, movies under the stars at twilight, private art classes, and secluded snorkelling adventures.
Often described as the ‘island surrounded by vast lagoon’ in Dhivehi, the local parlance of the Maldives and is a 35-mins seaplane ride from Male.
